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ODA announces $6 million in farmland preservation

The director of Ohio’s Department of Agriculture says the agency is committed to preserving the state’s farmland.

Brian Baldridge says an additional $6 million was recently allocated to 42 groups across the state.

“As far as the farmland preservation program, it kind of lifts up and puts it as a priority,” he says. “There’s an opportunity for your family farm, the financial opportunities for that, but then it it keeps it in an easement and keeps it in production.”

He tells Brownfield the state wants to safeguard the future food supply.

“For the last two decades, we know that Ohio has lost about one million acres of farm ground,” he says.

ODA says 729 family farms in 62 counties have preserved more than 108,000 acres in agricultural production.

AUDIO: Brian Baldridge, Ohio Department of Agriculture